1) Belonging to a church community – Now there are people who say, “You don’t have to go to church to be a Christian”. And of course the obvious answer is, yes of course you don’t have to go to church to be a Christian (as I slump my shoulders in frustration with people who say that). But it’s also true that to be a Christian and not belong to a church is counter intuitive. Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian but if you are a person of faith then there is no doubt you would (should) belong to a church community. I am going to step out there and say something that may make some of you no longer read my blog, and I am okay with that … but being a Christian who doesn’t belong to a church community leaves room for being a little out there sometimes. Being in community is what helps us all stay balanced. Three people meeting in a “home church” can start getting a little weird and leave room for some squirrelly beliefs. In know this to be true because I have met them.

Also, Jesus is the one who founded the church ... now I understand not all churches are doing it like Jesus intended, but some are ... find one that is and belong there!

Hebrews 10:23-25"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."